Before we look at the difference between PCB Mouse Bites & V-Grooves, it will be worthwhile to begin with looking at what exactly is PCB panelization and what are the various factors to consider in choosing the right technique from amongst the several available.
Essentially PCB Panelization allows you to connect smaller circuit boards into a large array. The vendor performing panelization can equally easily depanelize the array. In fact, depanelization is known to increase throughput of PCB.
The choice of the panelization method depends on a wide variety of factors. Some of these include:
The broad methods of PCB Panelization include:
This technique involves drilling small, perforated holes in tabs. It is in their similarity to mouse bites that this technique gets its name. The manufacturer pre-cuts the boards on the array and holds them in place with the perforated tabs.
This method works well where:
The advantages of Perforated tab routing Or Mouse Bites include:
With perforated tab routing, the areas of concern, however, remain as below:
Also known as V-scoring, v-groove panelization involves separating individual boards housing V-shaped grooves. With this method, the manufacturer can remove 1/3 of the thickness of the board from the top and the bottom. They need to be cut with the help of a machine typically at an angle of 30 or 45 degrees. This method does not lend itself to hand separation as it can put stress on the board as well as its surrounding components.
In this method, the panelization has to have a 0.05 inch clearance from the components to the groove’s center.
V-Groove panelization works well for square and rectangular shaped board. You, however, cannot use it to cut straight lines through the array.
Essentially, this method works well where:
The other advantages of V-Groove include:
The concerns with depanelizing V-scored PCBs include:
PCB panelization has emerged as an important step when it comes to PCB manufacturing and assembly. By knowing the benefits and constraints of each of the methods outlined above, you can ensure that you do not make any costly mistakes. Also, by knowing the strengths and weaknesses of each technique, redesigns and delays can be avoided, significantly impacting your go-to-market and giving you the much-needed competitive edge.
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